The High Court in Kampala has sentenced two people to death for the 2018 murder of businesswoman Susan Magara.
Justice Alex Ajiji ordered that Hajara Nakandi and Buvumbo Abbas Musa be hanged after finding them guilty of committing the most brutal acts against Magara.
Court heard that Buvumbo kidnapped Magara, cut off her fingers, injected her with a ketamine overdose, suffocated her and eventually caused her death. Nakandi was found to have guarded Magara and later supported the decision to kill her after suspecting she could identify her captors.
The judge sentenced the remaining seven convicts to life imprisonment for their role in the crime.
These include Lubega Yusuf, Wasswa Huseein, Ssali Muzamir, Kato Hassan Miiro, Kisalita Muhammad, Kyewolya Abubakar and Bukenya Ismail.
Court explained that although all the convicts acted with a common intention, their sentences differed based on the roles each played.
The group was involved in planning the kidnap, monitoring the victim, demanding ransom, collecting and spending the money, and dumping the body in Kitiko-Birongo along the Entebbe Express Highway.
Justice Ajiji also directed the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to confiscate and sell properties bought using the ransom money, including two pieces of land in Buikwe and Luweero, and 11 vehicles.
The proceeds will be given to the Magara family as compensation.
The judge said the sentence is intended to deter kidnappings, ensure justice for the victim, and stop criminals from benefiting from their actions.
This is among the final cases handled by Justice Ajiji, who is set to retire after reaching the mandatory retirement age
